Cactus seed germination: a review

The present review tries to give a general overview of the available inform ation on cactus seed germination. First, information about the family Cacta ceae is discussed, concerning aspects such as distribution and general char acteristics. Seed distinctive features are mentioned, such as colour, form, and size. Aspects of seed physiology, such as germination and dormancy, as well as seed dynamics including dispersal, predation, and soil seed bank f ormation, are included in the discussion. Techniques of propagation and som e aspects of longevity and conservation are mentioned. The areas where ther e is scarce information available are highlighted, and, therefore, are impo rtant areas in which to continue research in order to generate data for imm ediate and future conservation efforts. (C) 2000 Academic Press.